Word Origin & History

1670s, in reference to lands given to religious orders, from Medieval Latin amortizationem (nominative amortizatio), noun of action from past participle stem of amortizare (see amortize). Of debts, from 1824.

Example Sentences foramortization

This amortization of the Republic's debt for these improvements has been going steadily forward.

No effort is made to levy tolls that will provide for interest charges, or for the amortization of the principal.

Surplus revenues enabled the amortization of its debt; and by 1852 the revenue exceeded three million dollars annually.

"'Amortization' is the word, Colonel," was Smith's prompt verdict after he had gone over Martin's summaries.